Spices thrive in the hot and humid, semi-tropical climate that India enjoys, and it is ground zero for food that delivers pungent, fragrant flavors. Peppery and bold curries are staples of Indian food, with their different blends reflecting different regions of this large country and the culinary styles that abound. Black pepper is indigenous to India and is widely regarded around the world as the King of Spices but in India, cardamom is its anointed Queen. Often, traditional Indian spices are familiar to Western palates, but are used in exciting combinations.